By Dante Iafrate and Sam MacGilpin
@danteiafrate and @sam_macgilpin
In the world of competitive sports, athletes often find themselves searching for new challenges once their primary discipline has run its course. For Abby Clark and Joe Capo, graduates of Springfield College in 2015, the transition from gymnastics to Ninja Warrior/Obstacle Course Training was not just a change of sports, but a path to inspiring a new generation of athletes.
Clark graduated from Springfield with a degree in Rehabilitation and Disability Studies and a minor in Psychology. Her athletic journey started in the world of gymnastics, a sport to which she dedicated 20 years of her life. . She reached the pinnacle of her gymnastics career during her time on Alden Street, winning the 2015 National Championship on the balance beam. Her athletic prowess extended to track and field as well, where she was a hurdler and sprinter for 12 years, also competing for Springfield’s outdoor track team.
Capo graduated with a degree in Business. Like Clark, he too was deeply rooted in gymnastics, competing for 17 years, the final four as a member of the Pride. Their shared experience at Springfield both being on the gymnastics team, would later become the foundation of a remarkable journey together.
After retiring from gymnastics, both Clark and Capo found a new passion – American Ninja Warrior and Obstacle Course Training. Their journey into this new world began with a local Ninja Warrior competition in Brooklyn, N.Y., where they competed for the sheer love of the sport, even if it meant being lured in by the promise of a slice of pizza. Clark’s and Capo’s dedication and talent quickly propelled them through the ranks of the Ninja Warrior community.
Clark has competed in an impressive six seasons on American Ninja Warrior, even hitting the coveted buzzer in Season 10. She has also earned the distinction of being a Las Vegas National Finalist in Seasons 10 and 14. Clark is a force to be reckoned within the Elite Division of the World Ninja League (WNL), competing in the past seven WNL World Finals and winning World’s Strongest Ninja in back-to-back seasons.
Capo, no stranger to success himself, has competed on two seasons of American Ninja Warrior, achieving Las Vegas National Finalist status in Season 11. His athleticism extends to the World Ninja League as well, where he has participated in the past six WNL World Finals. Furthermore, he made his mark in the professional division of the 2017 Obstacle Course Racing World Championships.
While their own success in the Ninja Warrior world was remarkable, Clark and Capo decided to take their passion to the next level. For four years, Joe ran one of the largest Ninja Warrior gyms in the country, working with approximately 700 kids in the program. Two years ago, they took a bold step and opened their own Ninja gym, “Nex Level Ninja,” in Flemington, N.J. The facility offers recreational classes, open gym time, and a competitive team. Capo’s coaching has led to multiple World Champions and World Championship podiums, while Clark focuses on giving back to the Ninja community that has provided them with countless opportunities. Together, they aim to inspire and encourage younger generations to lead active lives and pursue their dreams.
Their story is not just one of athletic achievement, but also a love story that has spanned 11 years. Their journey from college gymnastics to becoming owners of their own Ninja Warrior gym is a testament to their shared passion, dedication and the belief that sports can inspire and shape lives.
Clark and Capo are deeply committed to giving back to their community and inspiring others through their social media presence. They believe in the power of sharing their journey, insights, and training tips to motivate and encourage individuals of all ages to embrace an active lifestyle and pursue their passions fearlessly. They welcome anyone interested in Ninja Warrior, obstacle course training or simply looking for guidance and inspiration to reach out to them via their social media platforms. Their goal is to foster a supportive community that uplifts and empowers others to be the best version of themselves, both on and off the course.
Student: How did you get into American Ninja Warrior and obstacle courses?
Clark: We had been out of Springfield college for a year and a half, and one of our friends who was on the team, Conor Galvin, who was still training in Long Island asked us to go watch a low-key obstacle course competition in Brooklyn. It was an hour of training and an hour of competition. When we got there, his mom offered to buy us pizza if we competed, and we couldn’t go wrong with Brooklyn pizza. We had no idea what we were doing and completely winged it, but from that moment we knew this is something we’d want to try and go far in.
Student: When was the moment you realized that this could be a full-time job?
Capo: Well, at first we would go to our regular jobs, and then train every night from about 9 to 12, and eventually we got an offer to go full-time ninja, so I took the offer and we moved to Jersey, and eventually Abby took the offer in 2019, a year after me.
Clark: The first time we applied to the show we barely had much training, but I got called back, and that was the moment I realized, “This is what I’m doing full time.”
Student: What is the application process like?
Clark: It’s crazy. They want to know your whole life story. Anything you can imagine, it’s on there. You have to create a 2-3 minute video every year, but thankfully the application saves. It doesn’t matter how good you did the prior year, you still have to re-apply.
Student: What helped you to perform well around big crowds and be on TV?
Capo: Home Show, ironically. We’re sad we can’t make it this year. That was an amazing experience and really got us ready for big stages.
Student: How has Springfield College shaped who you are today?
Clark: We met so many people. We say “Spirit, Mind and Body,” but it really holds true. It’s given us lifelong friendships and obviously our relationship. It’s given us great communication skills and really helped us connect with people – and we’re forever thankful for that.
Photo by Abby Clark